Our Team

Mary Ann Rose - President & CEO
Mary Ann Rose is the founder and President of Tamar Productions, Inc., a full service Event and Destination Management Company specializing in corporate and non-profit meetings and events nationwide. Listed in Crain's Chicago Business as one of the "Top 25 Women-Run Businesses" in Chicago, Ms. Rose was also honored by the National Association of Women Business Owners as one of the "Top 25" Women Run Businesses in 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2011. Tamar Productions received national recognition with the highest awards of achievement in themed events by Special Event Magazine and has consistently been listed as one of the "Top 50" special event companies worldwide. In 2008, Ms. Rose was named a "Woman of Vision" by Eversight Illinois, and was named one of Chicago's 100 Women of Influence by Today's Chicago Woman.
In addition to having published articles in Successful Woman Magazine and Meeting Planners Alert, Rose served on the Executive Board of Directors and was Chair-Elect for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau where she successfully chaired their annual Burnham Bash. In 2005, due to corporate demand for unique gift items, Ms. Rose opened Mary Mary, a gift boutique located in Tamar Productions 135-year old brownstone in the River North area. She is currently the co-founder of the Chicago Police Foundation where she volunteers her time as their full-time Executive Director.

Heinz Kern - Vice President
Heinz Kern began his career in Europe, graduating first in his class at Dusseldorf’s prestigious Hotel Fachschule. As a young chef, he honed his culinary skills at the most famous hotels in the world, including the George V in Paris, the Palace in St. Moritz and The Savoy in London. Upon arrival in the United States, Heinz joined the New York Hilton and soon after was promoted to the Conrad Hilton in Chicago. He then went on to work in the nation’s capital. After working for some time in Las Vegas for Hilton, Mr. Kern joined Hyatt Hotels.

As General Manager, he managed several hotels in the United States, including the Park Hyatt on Michigan Avenue. As Vice President of Food and Beverage for Hyatt Corporation, Mr. Kern redesigned Hyatt’s food concept, creating new restaurants nationwide.

Mr. Kern has been featured in several trade publications, including Gastronomique, Restaurant News, as well as Lodging Hospitality. He has lectured at various hotel schools, including Cornell University, and remains on the cutting edge of food trends through his membership with the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rostisseurs the oldest gourmet society in the world where he rose to the high rank of Baille for the Chicago chapter.

In May of 1995, Heinz Kern fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened his own restaurant; Palette’s in Chicago. After eight successful years with Palette’s, Heinz rejoined the corporate world as Vice President for Tamar Productions.

Mackenzie Albertson - Senior Event Producer
Mackenzie began her full-time career in event management at Tamar Productions, Inc. in May 2016 as an Event Production Associate where she gained a significant amount of experience in event planning on both a social and professional level, ultimately allowing her to explore a wide variety of aspects within the exciting industry. Mackenzie has worked on an array of events, from large festivals including The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism and a wide variety of corporate world wide conventions, industry trade shows, non-profit fundraising galas and corporate receptions of all types.

While she has a deep-rooted passion for the production and operational side of events, her pride truly is building relationships with clients and making sure that their vision comes to life using a smooth, streamlined and communicative process. Mackenzie looks forward to creating even more successful events in the future all while learning and growing in an industry that is ever changing and challenging but always exciting!

Annabella Coe - Associate Producer
Annabella graduated from the University of Arizona in May of 2019. She majored in Political Science and minored in English. Starting as a summer intern, she developed a new love and appreciation for the event industry immediately. Tackling the creativity that comes with developing all of the unique ideas and themes needed in a constantly changing business is what drew her to Tamar Productions.

Annabella officially joined the company in September of 2019 as an Associate Producer. Diving into the busy fall season of fundraisers, parties, and even parades, these gave her a significant amount of new experiences and proficiencies to implement in the upcoming future of event planning. Assisting the team in all kinds of tasks has allowed for Annabella to grow as a producer and understand the inner workings of Tamar Productions Inc. as a whole brand.

History

Founded by President & CEO Mary Ann Rose in 1976, Tamar Productions, Inc. is an Illinois licensed and bonded full service Event and Destination Management Company specializing in meetings and events of all sizes. Tamar is a Women’s Business Enterprise certified nationwide and by the city of Chicago. For almost forty years, Tamar Productions has established a national reputation with the country’s leading corporations and associations, and has created a niche in the marketplace as an innovator for themed events and entertainment. Listed in Crain's Chicago Business as one of the “Top 25 Women-Run Businesses” in Chicago, Tamar has also received national recognition with top awards for achievement in themed events by Special Event Magazine. Tamar’s professional and personal approach, along with a healthy respect for client budget, is a hallmark.

In 2005, due to corporate demand for unique gift items, Ms. Rose successfully opened Mary Mary, a gift boutique located in Tamar Productions' 135 year old brown stone just minutes from Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

For more information about Mary Mary, please visit our website at www.marymarygifts.com.

Awards

2020 N.I.C.E. Award Nominee
Best Fundraising/Non-Profit Event

2019 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2018 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2017 N.I.C.E. Award Nominee
Best Fundraising/Non-Profit Event
Best Corporate Event

2017 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2017 Special Event Gala Award Nominee
Best Achievement in Logistics

2016 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2015 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2014 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2011 N.I.C.E. Award Winner
Best Theme Decor
Total Decor Budget: $20,000 to $50,000

2010 Special Event Gala Award Nominee
Best Decor
Total Decor Budget: $20,000 to $49,999

2010 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2009 and 2010 Event Style Award Nominee
BizBash Chicago
Best Corporate or Association Event Concept
Budget Under $50,000

Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association
Special Events Magazine

Best Event Coordinated with a Hotel Catering Department
Special Events Magazine

Most Creative Buffet Design
Special Events Magazine

Chicago's Top 25 Women-Run Businesses
Crain's Chicago Business

Top 25 Women Business Owners
National Association of Women Business Owners

Spotlight Awards finalist for Samaritan Service for the Community
Event Solutions Magazine

"Spirit of Love" Award
Little City Foundation

706 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60654 - Phone: (773) 880-1000 - Fax: (312) 943-9477 - event@tamarproductionsinc.com